After much argument she had finally accepted Simon’s offer for a date. He picked her up at her house around 7 PM and took her to the movies. They saw some old James Bond movie and all time during the show Simon was constantly trying to get a hold of Vanessa’s hand and grabbing her leg.

After the movie they went to and Italian restaurant. Vanessa found it weird since Joe had also taken her to the same restaurant for their first date.

"So what did you think of the movie?" Simon asked her.

"It was alright, I guess," Vanessa said, taking a sip of her coke. "I like Sean Connery much more as James Bond. I find it hard to take Piers Brosnan seriously. I don’t know why. What did you think?" Vanessa was desperately trying to make small talk.

"I really don’t care. As long as the company is so nice the movie doesn’t matter a thing to me," Simon said, and Vanessa forced a smile. "So what’s the story with you and Joe Hardy?"

"I guess there is no story anymore." Vanessa said and looked into Simon’s eyes. He looked like a predator ready to jump her and eat her. She felt uncomfortable.

"Yeah, he skipped town. Read about it in the paper. I don’t know how close you two were but you should be glad. I know I am," he said, reaching for Vanessa’s leg. She politely pushed it away.

"I’m not really anything," she said, looking for a way out of this.

Simon, not wanting to give up, pushed his chair closer to hers.

"Any man that walks out on a girl like you must be crazy," Simon said, smiling sarcastically.

"Thank you," Vanessa said, not sure what she was thanking him for.

"I was planing on going back to your place afterwards," he said, putting his arms around her shoulder. Vanessa put on her jacket, forcing him to remove his hand.

"Then where am I to go?" She asked, and walked out of the restaurant, leaving Simon sitting there like an idiot.

Having a long walk back home Vanessa pulled her jacket closer trying to stay warm. It was late in the evening and she was cold, but she was just glad to be out of that place. Simon had turned out to be a real pig.

"What were you thinking Vanessa Bender?" Vanessa thought to herself. "This was a big mistake. Grow up. God. I hope Joe doesn’t find out. I’m sure Simon will tell him. Oh Vanessa, what have you done?"

She walked as fast as she could and as she got tired she felt she couldn’t hold back her emotions any more. Walking alone in the dark she started to cry.

***

Frank and Callie had arranged to meet at her house that evening. Callie had rented a movie and they were going to be cozy on the couch all evening.

Frank was on his way to her house when he notice a woman walking in the cold rain aside of the road. He could soon see it was Vanessa. He pulled his car to stop and walked out of the car.

Vanessa was startled as she saw the car stop but was relieved when she noticed Frank and Joe’s van. For a split second she hoped Joe would step out. But seeing Frank, Vanessa realised he would want to know why she was out there alone, wearing her purple dress and walking in the rain. A walk was obviously out of the question.

"Vanessa,is that you? What are you doing out here?" Frank rushed towards her and helped her get into the van. Once inside in the warm car Vanessa wiped off the tears from her face, hoping Frank wouldn’t notice them. Frank only had to take one look at her face to see she’d been crying.

"Did someone hurt you- are you alright?" Frank could feel his stomach tighten up. He felt responsible for her while his brother was gone and if someone had hurt her he would have do something about it.

"No, I’m alright," she assured him as she put her seatbelt on.

"What are you doing out here?" Frank asked, wondering. Vanessa, not wanting to lie to Frank, decided to tell him the truth.

"I was on a date. The guy was a total jerk so I walked out on him."

"A date?" Frank was surprised but not angry. "But what about Joe?"

"What about Joe?" Vanessa asked as calmly as she could. "I don’t even know where he is. He doesn’t bother to call me or anything. I don’t even know it he’s ever coming back."

"Joe is coming back, Vanessa. I promise you that." Frank started the engine.

"I’m sure he will, but when? Am I supposed to wait for him for an unknown amount of time? Besides, he might have found someone else for all we know." The thought only made Vanessa want to throw up and kick someone.

"That’s impossible, Vanessa," Frank said giving her a smile. "I know my brother and you are the only woman in the world for him. He is more crazy about you than he will ever let you know."

Frank’s words made her feel a little better. Frank turned on the radio and Vanessa was surprised to find out that they were playing the song Joe sang for her last Christmas before she left for her grandparents, "Ain’t no mountain high enough." She looked at Frank. She had only gotten to know Frank through Joe and, although she always liked him, she felt now how great guy he really was.

"Callie is a lucky girl," she said, giving Frank a smile.

"Well, Joe’s a lucky guy."